The ultimate guide to climate justice: what it is and why it matters

Many of the countries contributing the least to climate change are the ones suffering its worst impacts. Consider:

• Pacific Island nations such as Tuvalu and Kiribati contribute less than 0.03 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet they face existential threats from rising sea levels.

• African countries like Somalia and Chad emit around 0.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person per year––compared with roughly 12.5 tonnes per person in North America. Yet they are among the hardest hit by prolonged drought.

• Latin American countries such as Honduras and Peru emit around 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person annually. Yet they remain prone to climate shocks and extreme flooding.

Climate change is more than an environmental issue. It’s a social justice issue too.

Right now, the decisions driving climate change are frequently made far from communities suffering its worst effects. Often, those most affected have the least influence over policies and actions shaping their future.

What is climate justice?

Addressing the imbalance between those who caused the problem, those who suffer the most and those who have a voice in the solution, is at the heart of climate justice.

Right now, the effects of climate change are accelerating:

• The Arctic is warming three times faster than the rest of the planet.

• The number of people exposed to flood risk could grow to 1.6 billion by 2050.

• Wheat yields in Africa and South Asia could drop around 16 per cent by 2050.

As these effects increase, so does the gap between those who benefit and those who bear the costs.

Economically, climate justice is urgently needed. From 1961 to 2010, global warming reduced per-person gross domestic product (GDP) in the world’s poorest countries by up to 30 per cent. Meanwhile, wealthy nations saw their per-person GDP grow by around 23 per cent over the same period.

The planet gets warmer. The rich get richer. The poor fall further behind.

Climate justice is also needed in education, gender equality and poverty:

• In 2024, extreme weather events such as storms, floods and heatwaves interrupted schooling for over 240 million students in 85 countries.

• Women and children are up to 14 times more likely to die in climate disasters than men due to unequal access to resources and decision-making power.

• By 2030, up to 132 million people could fall into extreme poverty because of climate-related impacts like crop losses, natural disasters and rising food prices.

The planet gets warmer. The rich continue to gain and thrive. The poor continue to struggle and fight.

Climate justice looks at climate change as a question of fairness. Those who are the biggest contributors to climate change take the most responsibility for solving it. Those who contributed the least––but suffer the most––should receive protection, resources and a stronger voice in shaping the solutions.

It’s only fair.

• How can you make a difference? Here are five sustainable climate change solutions you can implement to help support climate justice.

Climate justice in action

In Mozambique, 16-year-old Sofia is part of World Vision Canada ’s Every Girl Can program.

After learning about gender-based violence, communication and her rights as a girl, Sofia realized that advancing gender equality is essential in shaping climate justice.

Together, Every Girl Can, the Government of Mozambique and community leaders like Sofia are uniting to tackle the interconnected challenges of climate change through gender inequality initiatives like:

• Mapping the gendered impacts of climate change on women, girls and youth.

• Supporting women entrepreneurs driving green innovation.

• Connecting humanitarian responses with climate adaptation and peacebuilding.

Climate justice happens at the local level. Those who are impacted most should have the biggest say regarding climate action.

It’s this approach––powered by girls like Sofia––that’s shifting the power dynamics at the heart of gender equality and climate justice.

• From the frontlines of change: Read Sofia’s story about advancing equity and climate justice through locally led action.

What happens when climate justice is denied?

Climate justice offers everyone the resources and ability to adapt to climate change.

The warmest year on record was 2024 and by 2100, the plant could be 3.1 degrees Celsius hotter. As temperatures continue to rise, climate adaptation is no longer optional.

It’s a necessity.

When climate adaptation cannot be achieved is when climate justice is denied. And the results are devastating:

• Displacement: Climate change can force people to leave their homes. Sometimes forever. In 2022, climate disasters displaced over 30 million people worldwide.

• Expanding debt: By 2030, developing countries may need up to $380 billion per year to adapt to climate change.

• Food shortages: The risk of hunger and malnutrition can increase by up to 20 per cent by 2050 as climate change disrupts crop production and food systems.

• Barriers to education: Students in poorer countries lose 18 school days per school year due to climate shocks. Students in wealthier nations only lose 2.4 days per school year.

Climate justice ensures the people most affected by climate change are not left to face its consequences alone.

Without it, climate change deepens poverty. It widens inequality and traps vulnerable countries in cycles of debt and hunger. It leaves communities to bear the social, economic and geographical costs of a crisis they did little to create.

• Climate change, hunger and malnutrition: Learn how climate change, food insecurity and hunger are interconnected, what is currently being done and why more action is needed.

How can we achieve climate justice?

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the critical first step.

There are over 190 countries in the world, but just 25 are responsible for roughly 83 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Climate justice ensures these countries either cut emissions or pay their fair share––through support, resources or funding––to those most impacted.

Other ways to achieve climate justice include:

• Increase climate finance for adaptation: In 2023, global climate finance reached $1.9 trillion. But only $65 billion (3.4 per cent) was used for adaptation. Most climate finance goes to mitigation (solving the problem) instead of adaptation (coping with the effects).

• Protect vulnerable systems: Health, education and food systems are at risk due to climate change. Strengthening these essential services helps communities withstand climate shocks while reducing long-term inequality.

• Give local communities a voice: Climate justice works when the people most affected shape solutions and policies. Everyone––men and women, boys and girls, community leaders and activists––should have a say in climate decision-making.

• Women, peace, security and climate change: Women are disproportionately affected by climate change and armed conflict. Through action and resilience, they are making change in their communities.

Climate justice FAQs

Why is climate justice important?

Climate justice is important because climate change does not affect everyone equally.

Low-income countries, vulnerable communities and those living in fragile contexts face the greatest risks––from droughts to floods to food insecurity and displacement––while having fewer resources to adapt.

Climate justice looks to ensure these people receive the protection, support and voice they need.

Who is most affected by climate justice?

Climate justice benefits all of us.

However, several groups are disproportionately affected by climate change, including:

• People living in low-income countries.

• Coastal and island communities fighting against rising sea levels.

• Farmers and rural communities dependent on climate-sensitive crops.

• Women and girls who may have less access to resources and decision-making power.

• Children whose education and future livelihoods can be disrupted by climate change.

What causes climate injustice?

Climate injustice occurs when those responsible for climate change are not the same people experiencing its worst consequences.

For example:

• High greenhouse gas emissions from wealthier countries.

• Unequal access to resources for climate adaptation.

• Limited political representation for vulnerable communities.

Is climate justice the same as environmental justice?

Climate justice and environmental justice are related, but not identical.

Environmental justice focuses on the fair treatment of people in environmental policies and pollution exposure. Climate justice looks at the fair distribution of the impact, responsibilities and solutions to climate change.

How can you support climate justice at home?

• Save energy by using energy efficient light bulbs and appliances.

• Walk, bike or take public transit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Reduce, reuse, repair and recycle what you can like clothing, plastic or electronics.

• Eat more fruits, vegetables and nuts instead of processed foods or meats.

• Raise your voice regarding climate change and climate justice and get others involved.

Help World Vision Canada support climate justice

World Vision Canada views climate change as a major driver of poverty, hunger and displacement. Climate justice occurs when people are given support and resources to adapt.

Here’s how you can help:

Give farm animals and seeds

• Strengthen the livelihoods and resilience of those most impacted by climate change. Enable families and communities to grow their own food and adapt to changing climate conditions.

Donate emergency food

• When droughts or floods strike, hunger doesn’t wait. Help families survive climate-related disasters that disrupt crops and food supplies.

Green energy gifts

• People in vulnerable countries face greater risk from climate change. Eco-friendly energy solutions like solar lights, irrigation pumps and water purification kits help build resiliency.